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January 29, 2022

Health

5 Common Causes of Sciatica

Sciatica is a condition that causes pain and numbness in the leg. The sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back to the feet, can become irritated and inflamed due to pressure. It leads to symptoms of pain and tingling down one or both legs. Sciatica is not a disease but an umbrella term used for irritation or inflammation of this vital nerve pathway. In West Orange, NJ, you’ll find reliable sciatica experts willing to offer the help you need. As you look for the best pain management physician of West Orange, here are some common causes of sciatica you should know about.

  • Facet Joint Arthritis

The facet joints are miniature shock absorbers located between the vertebrae in your spinal column. They can become irritated due to various causes – from a traumatic injury, such as a heavy fall or car accident, to more subtle degeneration caused by age. The pain is usually felt in the lower back and can travel down the leg if both sciatic nerve roots are irritated by pressure from the facet joints.

  • Herniated Disc

 It may cause a small piece of the fibrous outer layer to bulge or rupture, causing pressure on the already inflamed nerve. A herniated disc can occur anywhere in the spinal column, but 80% are between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae, which are in your lower back.

  • Degenerative Disc Disease

Much like a herniated disc, degenerative disc disease is caused by age and wear and tear on the spine. It causes discs to gradually lose their firmness and ability to cushion vertebrae as they rub together. The result is often lower back pain that radiates into the leg and down the sciatic nerve.

It would be best if you had an expert who understands how sciatica works and knows what treatments will help relieve your symptoms, without making them worse. A pain management specialist has experience treating patients with all types of chronic pains and injuries, including those caused by sciatica. They’ll provide personalized treatment plans tailored just for you so that you can get back on track as quickly as possible.

  • Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is another common cause of sciatica, where mild to severe compression occurs on the nerve. If you are experiencing quick sharp pain from the lower back to feet, you must seek professional advice from a doctor. Sciatica is usually not a severe condition and can be treated with rest, medication, and exercise; but there are cases where surgical intervention is required to prevent further damage.

  • Bone Spurs

The ruptured area can press against the surrounding nerves when a herniated disc occurs. Bone spurs form here as tissue attempts to repair itself, but they can act like knives cutting into your sciatic nerve.

There is no harm in trying an over-the-counter medication if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms as a result of sciatica. However, if you don’t see improvement, the best course of action is to visit your doctor for a diagnosis and proper treatment plan.

Suppose you’ve been experiencing pain in your back, leg, or foot and are unsure that it may be due to sciatica. Sciatica is an umbrella term for any irritation or inflammation that affects the nerve pathway running from the lower spine to the feet. There can be many causes of this condition, including facet joint arthritis, degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, bone spurs, and spinal stenosis.

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Health

An Ultimate Guide to Choosing an Acid Reflux

For many people, acid reflux is a severe health condition. It’s uncomfortable, and it can even be life-threatening. But not everyone with acid reflux experiences the same symptoms or severity of these symptoms. Depending on the type of acid reflux you have, your treatment will vary dramatically. In Lima, Ohio, acid reflux experts will take you through the correct procedures, from diagnosis to the actual treatment. Aim at Lima acid reflux specialists who are exceptional. Here’s what you need to know about the condition.

What is Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux occurs when stomach contents that are too acidic – such as stomach acids or bile – back up into the esophagus due to a weakened lower esophageal sphincter (LES). There are three types: functional, which has no identified cause; non-erosive, the mildest form of acid reflux; and erosive, where tissue damage has occurred due to prolonged exposure to stomach acids.

What Causes Acid Reflux?

Several factors can contribute to acid reflux symptoms. The critical factor in all types of acid reflux is a weakened LES. You can induce this by heavy lifting, certain medications, smoking, eating high-fat meals, and some chronic diseases. Other causes for acid reflux include pregnancy, gallstones, and some foods that trigger symptoms.

What Foods Trigger Acid Reflux?

Specific food triggers are highly acidic foods like tomatoes and citrus fruits, fatty foods, chocolate, peppermint, and caffeine. Other triggers can include spicy foods, onions, and garlic, as well as carbonated drinks.

When Should You Go for Acid Reflux?

Some people only experience mild symptoms and don’t need treatment. If you have no pain and infrequent symptoms, over-the-counter medications like H2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors may provide relief. However, if your symptoms are more severe or occur frequently, you should see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

What Are the Symptoms of Acid Reflux?

The symptoms of acid reflux vary depending on the type of acid reflux you have. Functional acid reflux doesn’t typically have symptoms, while erosive and non-erosive do. Erosive acid reflux can lead to ulcers, esophageal irritation, burning pain in the chest after eating, a bitter taste in your mouth, or being woken up from sleep by heartburn.

How Is Acid Reflux Treated?

The treatment for acid reflux depends upon the type and severity of your case. Some cases can be treated by making lifestyle changes, while others require medication, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H-2 blockers, which decrease stomach acid production.

Which are the Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Acid Reflux?

Several lifestyle changes can reduce acid reflux symptoms, including losing weight, reducing stress, and avoiding cigarettes. You should also avoid eating within three hours before bedtime. It’s recommended that you eat smaller meals throughout the day rather than one or two large ones. Additionally, always sit up straight when eating and avoid drinking during meals. Finally, relax after eating and give your stomach time to digest food.

Acid reflux can be caused by a variety of factors, including diet. Luckily, you can implement many lifestyle changes to reduce or eliminate your symptoms. For example, eating smaller meals throughout the day rather than one or two large ones and sitting up straight when you’re eating will help prevent acid reflux in some cases. Seeing an acid reflux specialist is vital.

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Health

Which Treatment Options Are There in Fertility Medication?

It’s a common misconception that there is no hope for couples with fertility problems. There are many different treatments available for infertility medication. One includes ovulation induction medications. This treatment works by adjusting the hormones in your body. It, in turn, helps you release an egg from your ovaries at just the right time. In Celebration, Florida, some centers offer fertility medication through different treatments. After a thorough examination, they’ll determine the best option for you. Book an appointment with a dependable center for fertility medication in Celebration, FL.

  • Progesterone Therapy

Another primary treatment is fertility medication is progesterone therapy. This treatment helps support the lining of your uterus and allows implantation to occur. Additionally, progesterone can also be used to correct luteal phase defects, which is a condition that can prevent implantation from occurring.

  • In Vitro Fertilization

In-vitro fertilization, or IVF, is another standard treatment used in fertility medication. With IVF, the eggs and sperm are placed together in a lab, and the embryos are then transferred back into the woman’s uterus. IVF can be used with or without hormone therapy and can be successful for couples with a wide range of fertility problems.

Clomiphene Citrate Therapy

Clomiphene citrate or Clomid is a medication that can induce ovulation. It works by stimulating the pituitary gland into producing hormones that stimulate your ovaries and help them release eggs.

  • Hormonal Therapy: FSH and LH Injections

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) injections are other common hormonal therapy used in fertility medication. These injections help to stimulate your ovaries into producing more eggs than they would typically produce

  • Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) Injections

Another form of hormonal therapy used in fertility medication is human chorionic gonadotropin(hCG) injections. This hormone encourages your egg to release from its follicle and then survive until it reaches the uterus for implantation.

  • Letrozole Treatment

Letrozole, also known as Femara, is an infertility medication that treats certain infertility types. Letrozole works by inhibiting estrogen production to ovulation, which will help you release more eggs during your cycle.

  • Human Menopausal Gonadotropin(hMG) Injections

Human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) injections are a hormonal therapy used to help women who have difficulty ovulating. This medication contains follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone. It helps to stimulate the ovaries into producing more eggs.

  • Human Chorionic Gonadotropin(hCG) Injection

In some cases, a woman may experience a condition known as luteal phase defect (LPD). This condition occurs when the luteal phase of your cycle or menstrual cycle is shorter than usual.

A short luteal phase will make it difficult for the embryo to implant and result in an early miscarriage. You may need to take a human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) injection to correct this. This hormone will help lengthen your luteal phase and increase your chances of implantation.

There are many different types of treatments available for fertility medication. If you are having difficulty getting pregnant, be sure to talk to your doctor about the various treatment options available to you. There is no one-size-fits-all answer for fertility treatment, so be sure to work with your doctor to find the best treatment for you.

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Health

How to Care For a Wound

A wound is an injury that occurs when the skin is broken. It can be a simple cut or a more severe laceration. Regardless of the extent of a wound, speed is essential in caring for it. Any cut needs to be cleaned and covered with a sterile bandage as soon as possible. There are many things to keep in mind when taking care of your wound, such as how long you should clean off the blood or whether or not you need stitches. Remember to get treatment for any open wounds to avoid infection and scarring. If you have any deep tissue wounds, remember to see a Bakersfield wound care specialist for proper treatment.

Here are some tips on how to care for a wound.

  • Remove Any Debris

The first step to caring for a wound is removing debris. Try using soap and water to get rid of any blood or dirt. Ensure that you are cleaning the entire area, including under the nails. Next is removing dead tissue from the wound with tweezers and antibacterial wipes.

  • Clean It

The first step in caring for a wound is to clean it thoroughly. Use warm water and soap to clean the area around the wound. If there is any dirt or debris in the wound, use a saline solution or tweezers to remove it. Do not use hydrogen peroxide, as this can damage the tissue.

  • Cover The Wound

Once the wound is cleaned, cover it with a bandage. Do not use adhesive bandages on any deep wounds or puncture wounds. Instead, place gauze over the wound and secure it in place with medical tape. If you need stitches, never try to stitch up your wound! Instead, head over to an emergency room for professional treatment.

  •  Get a Tetanus Vaccine

An open wound can lead to tetanus, which is a dangerous disease. It would help if you got a tetanus vaccine once your wound has healed to ensure this does not happen. If you do not know when you last received one of these vaccines, it is probably best to try and locate the records or talk with your primary care physician about getting another one.

  • Monitor the Wound

If your wound is on an arm or leg, you will need to monitor it for signs of infection, including redness, swelling, and pus drainage. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your doctor right away. Infected wounds often require antibiotics for treatment.

  • Avoid Foods That Slow Healing

Some foods can slow the healing process of a wound. These include processed foods, sugary foods, and alcoholic beverages. Instead, try to eat a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables. Foods rich in protein and zinc are especially beneficial for wound healing.

In summary, a wound is an injury that occurs when the skin is broken. To care for your wound, remove any debris and clean the wound. Once you clean your wound, cover it and get a tetanus vaccine. 

Also, monitor the wound for any signs of infection and avoid antiseptics and foods that slow down healing.

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Health

Compassionate Treatment and Care for Auto Accidents in Colonia. NJ

Millions of Americans are involved in auto accidents each year. These accidents see lots of people lose their lives or get injuries that change their life completely. If you have chronic or painful conditions resulting from car accidents, you don’t need to worry. At the Samwell Institute for Pain Management, Dr. Jay M. Shah is experienced in helping patients with pain relief for auto injuries in Colonia in a compassionate and caring way. Call or schedule an appointment online today to inquire more about how the treatment can help treat your condition.

What Is an Auto Accident?

An auto accident is specifically when a car crashes into another object, including people, cars, buildings, animals, etc. Car collisions can result from many different causes. While many car accidents result from driver error, other possible causes include; potholes, missing devices or traffic signs, roadway defects in design or maintenance, and faulty vehicle repair.

What Are the Painful Conditions Caused by an Auto Accident?

It is quite evident that auto accidents can lead to different injury types. The pain subsides as these injuries heal. However, the pain can persist in your back, neck, knees, hips, and other body parts after an auto accident. The pain can be noticed immediately or can sometimes take longer to the hips and set in. Because of the persistence of pain, it can be debilitating in the long run. Fortunately, there are available treatment options.

What Are the Auto Accident Pain Symptoms?

There are many potential symptoms from a car accident, including muscle strain, which is the most common cause of pain following a car accident. This pain includes stiffness, reduced mobility, pain radiating to other body parts, and pain in the affected muscle. It is recommendable to seek medical care if you have consistent pain following a motor vehicle accident.

What Exactly is Whiplash?

Whiplash is among the common painful injuries after an automobile accident. The condition happens due to the head going backward or forward quickly, straining your neck tendons and muscles. The strain creates stiffness and neck pain which radiates out to your back and shoulder, numbness or pain in your hands and arms, difficulty concentrating, or headaches.

What Are the Best Treatments for Auto Accident Injuries?

If you suffer from particular injuries following an automobile accident, healing helps reduce the pain.  However, if you are suffering from ongoing pain, there are available treatments to relieve it. They include; medications, rest, massage, physical therapy, interventional pain-relieving procedures, and surgery. Other treatments are available depending on your diagnosis.

Automobile accidents can cause debilitating pain and chronic injuries. Dr. Shah and the SamWell Institute for Pain Management team are dedicated to offering you compassionate care and treatment to relieve your pain and restore your normal body functionality. Call or book an appointment online today to learn more about the effective management of your pain.

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Health

7 Benefits of Botox

Botox is a non-surgical injectable that reduces wrinkles and helps your skin look younger from the jawline to the forehead. Commonly used in areas around the face to reduce wrinkles, Botox is also helpful in relieving migraines, excessive sweating, and muscle cramping. Botox is a quick, easy, and relatively painless procedure that can be done in a doctor’s office. Botox injections work by blocking the signal from the nerve to the muscle. It prevents the muscle from contracting, which leads to a reduction in wrinkles. Wrinkles usually start to fade within three days and take about two weeks for full results. Recovery is quick, and there is very little recovery time. If you need this treatment, make sure you talk to a doctor offering Botox in McDonough first.

There are several benefits in having Botox injections, and we look at some of them below.

  • Wrinkle Reduction

By blocking the signal from the nerve to the muscle, Botox helps prevent age-related wrinkles from forming. Wrinkles do not happen all at once. They start as small creases, but they become more prominent and visible with repeated muscle movement. Removing these wrinkles helps your skin look younger and smoother.

  • Migraine Relief

Botox is now commonly used in the treatment of migraines. Every year, 12% of the population suffers from migraines. Botox is effective in reducing the number of migraines individual experiences as well as the severity and length of a migraine.

  • Excessive Sweating

Botox can be used to treat excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis. This condition affects 2-3% of the population and can cause social and psychological stress for those who have it. Botox injections help reduce sweating of the underarms, palms, and soles.

  • Muscle Cramping

Botox works by blocking the signal from the nerve to the muscle. The same principle applies to relieving cramps or spasticity caused by muscles that do not relax. Botox effectively treats muscle cramps in the foot, leg, and arm.

  • Restore Youthfulness

Botox is a quick, easy, and relatively painless procedure that can be done in a doctor’s office. Botox injections work by blocking the signal from the nerve to the muscle. It prevents the muscle from contracting, which leads to a reduction in wrinkles. Wrinkles usually start to fade within three days and take about two weeks for full results. Recovery is quick, and there is very little recovery time.

  • Takes a Short Time to Administer

Botox injections only take a few minutes to administer, and the results are almost immediate. There is very little recovery time so that you can resume your normal activities right after the procedure. It is a quick, easy, and relatively painless procedure that can be done in a doctor’s office.

  • Safe and Effective

Botox has been used for over 20 years and is considered safe and effective. It is FDA-approved for treating wrinkles, migraines, excessive sweating, and muscle cramping. In addition to being non-surgical, Botox injections are quick and easy, with results that can last up to 3 months.

In summary, Botox treatments come with several benefits. It is a safe and effective procedure that takes a short time to administer but offers long-lasting results. It also helps reduce muscle cramping, restore youthfulness, and prevent excessive sweating. Additionally, Botox can help reduce wrinkles and provide migraine relief.

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